Tottenham Hotspur have a big summer on the cards as Thomas Frank looks to stamp his mark on the team and in the transfer market.
So far, Spurs have signed one player, taking up their option to buy Mathys Tel from Bayern Munich.
Tottenham are expected to be busy in strengthening their ranks in the wake of a poor Premier League season and ahead of their Champions League return.
Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi is one of Spurs’ defensive targets – but Alasdair Gold has explained why the Lilywhites may struggle to sign him this summer.
Alasdair Gold says competition and Tottenham’s packed defensive roster could hurt Spurs’ chances of signing Marc Guehi
On Saturday, Gold hosted his latest Tottenham Q&A on football.london, with Spurs fans asking the expert a number of questions relating to the Lilywhites.
One fan asked Gold whether Guehi would feature highly on Tottenham’s wish-list in case Cristian Romero leaves the club.
Gold admitted that, while Tottenham are “long-term admirers” of Guehi, there’s a lot of competition for him from the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal.
In addition, Guehi is said to want regular playing time, and with Tottenham having so many centre-backs on their books, this could pose a problem.
“Spurs have been long-time admirers of Guehi and made an approach in January that was rebuffed by Palace, who also had no time to get in a replacement at that point even if anything had advanced,” said Gold.
“The problem for Spurs is that the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal are also among the many clubs interested in Guehi.
“It’s not expected to be easy for anyone to agree a price with Palace, even with just a year left on the England international’s contract.
“Guehi’s priority is believed to be regular playing time wherever he goes and while Spurs can offer Champions League football as well this season, they are currently packed with central defenders in Romero, Van de Ven, Danso, Dragusin, Davies as well as younger players like Vuskovic, Phillips and Dorrington.
“Of course Guehi likely starts if Romero goes and maybe if he doesn’t, and there is the potential that Frank would maybe play with a back three if he didn’t.
“But you would imagine Romero’s future would need to be sorted out first and by that time others may have made their move.”
Guehi, who has been deemed “incredible”, is said to be valued at £50-55million.
How Crystal Palace owner Steve Parish feels about selling Marc Guehi
Guehi has been one of the most highly sought-after defenders over the last few transfer windows, with several clubs attempting to sign him.
And with his contract expiring next summer, this is the last chance Palace have of getting a good fee for him if he doesn’t pen new terms at Selhurst Park.
However, TBR Football sources understand Palace owner Steve Parish will not allow Guehi to be sold for a cut-price deal – even if that means him going for free next summer.
“Marc Guehi has a host of options,” TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey said.
“I am told by sources with knowledge of his situation that to consider any club favourites to get him at this point would be wrong.
“The player has just lifted the FA Cup, Crystal Palace are heading into Europe – there is a real chance he stays at the club this summer.
“Yes, interest is mounting but there is no hurry – he knows the interest is there but any team coming in will need to agree terms with Steve Parish.
“And anyone in football already knows that if you come bargain hunting at Selhurst Park – you are going to go away empty-handed.”